Гуманитарные и юридические исследования (Sep 2021)
«PEOPLE HERE ARE TREATED KINDLY...»: RUSSIAN POLICY TOWARDS THE POPULATION OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE 18TH CENTURY
Abstract
The article analyzes the peculiarities of the policy of the Russian Empire in the North Caucasus in the second half of the 18th century. The struggle for a safe and secure southern frontier forced Petersburg to pay close attention to attracting local people to its side. However, it was not easy to work out an optimal course on cooperation with the North Caucasian societies. Socio-economic, political and cultural characteristics of their lives often contradicted the foundations of the empire. This led to clashes and armed confrontation. But the Russian administration did everything to stop this conflict and settle disputes by peaceful methods. Having no means of the influence local seniors, Russian authorities wanted just formal loyalty. When it produced no effect the imperial administration increased its military and political presence in the foothills. Besides the Cossack villages transferred to new borders, which had to strengthen garrisons. Having repulsed foreign policy rivals attacks, Russia succeeded in gaining authority with the Northern Caucasus inhabitants, having provided the pro-Russian choice of local societies.
